CARDIFF, WALES - JUNE 08: Former Wales International Neville Southall looks on during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 4 match between Wales and Netherlands at Cardiff City Stadium on June 08, 2022 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Neville Southall revealed he was taking a break(Image: Richard Heathcote, Getty Images)
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Neville Southall has received swathes of support after sharing a health update on social media. The former Everton goalkeeper revealed that he was taking a leave of absence from X due to ill health.
The Welshman, 67, offered the news on Sunday morning, much to the concern of his fans. Southall, who also turned out for Bury and Torquay United during a distinguished career spanning three decades, took to X on Sunday morning to share the concerning news.
After working as a binman and waiter during his teenage years, Southall went on to win 92 Wales caps and win the FWA Footballer of the Year in 1985. But the love of football fans has been inspired by more than his stellar achievements on the pitch, having become an advocate for LGBT rights among a range of political causes.
The MBE holder posted: "Won't be on here for a bit not well."
That message prompted a wave of warm wishes from across the footballing world. Southall quickly received messages from fans, and former colleagues.
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Former Wales team-mate Iwan Roberts added: "Bless you Nev get better soon big man." Wales fan group The Barry Horns posted: "We love you Nev."
BBC colleague Marc Webber said: "Get well soon, fella." Journalist Daniel Storey added: "Keep well Nev, look after yourself x."
"Wishing you well, Neville, the best goalkeeper in the world when I was growing up, but far more importantly, a really good, kind person and a voice of reason on here these days," said Dan Harvey.
17 November 1993, Cardiff - FIFA World Cup Qualifying Group 4 - Wales v Romania - Gary Speed and Neville Southall stand for the Welsh national anthem. (Photo by David Davies/Offside via Getty Images)
Neville Southall remains a Wales and Everton icon(Image: Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
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Anthony Robbins said: "Best of luck big man, we are all with you, we are one, we are Everton.
Paul Steer added: "Get well soon Nev! Absolute legend and I say that as someone who never supported any of the clubs you played for."
Amàdan said: "Best wishes, Neville. A hero to many Evertonians. The best to ever do it. Look after yourself big man"
Southall racked up well over 500 league appearances for Everton, remaining at Goodison Park from 1981 to 1998. During that time he twice won the first division with the Toffees, in addition to two FA Cups and the European Cup Winners' Cup.
The Llandudno-born shotstopper started his career at Bury before representing Stoke City, Bradford City and several other clubs, eventually bringing the curtain down on his playing days at Dagenham and Redbridge.
Since hanging up his boots, he has been a passionate champion of mental health awareness and LGBT rights, though concerns over his well-being have grown in recent times. Southall was taken to hospital last summer after contracting an infection, which resulted in him being placed on an intravenous drip.
"Not talking a break from here in hospital with a couple of drips due to bad infection sorry any I was supposed to meet and work for this weekend," he posted at the time.
The details surrounding his latest health scare have yet to be revealed, but there is little doubt he will be inundated with well-wishes from throughout the football community.
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